The First Nation Communities READ program has been successfully supporting and promoting Indigenous literature since 2003. Each year, dozens of titles by Indigenous creators are nominated to the program. The list is then pared down into a shortlist of five titles, one of which is chosen as the selected title by a jury of First Nation librarians. This year, the selected titles in the Children’s and YA/Adult Categories will be announced during the annual First Nation Public Library Week, which takes place during the second week of October 2022 (October 10th-14th) where we will be celebrating the selected author and all of the authors nominated for this year’s award.
Each of the selected title authors receive the Indigenous Literature Award, sponsored by long time support from the Periodical Marketers of Canada. The cash prize of $5,000 for each of the authors makes it one of the richest Indigenous Literature awards in Canada.
Last year, It’s a Mitig! written by Bridget George and published by Douglas and McIntyre, was the selected title in the Children’s Category. Bridget is an Anishinaabe author and was raised on the Kettle and Stoney Point First Nation.
It’s a Mitig! introduces families to some Anishinabemowin words in a rhyming and fun manner with visits from all kinds of forest animals. It’s a great way to start introducing the language with young ones.
We want to celebrate Bridget! Not only did she win the Indigenous Literature Award, she also donated/gifted her winnings between the Kettle and Stoney Point First Nation Public Library and the Bkejwanong First Nation Public Library. Way to go Bridget! Your support of First Nation libraries was generous and kind. On behalf of all of the First Nation Public Libraries in Ontario, we at OLS wish to thank you for your generosity.
Chi-meegwech! (Big Thank You!)
Coming up on LearnHQ: Due to changes in the announcement date of the First Nation Communities READ longlist, you can now join FNCR Coordinator Nancy Cooper and Goodminds owner Achilles Gentle in conversation on Wednesday, June 15th at 10:00am ET. They will be discussing the FNCR award program and the amazing world of Indigenous literature. Come for great conversations and leave with some hot tips for books to get for your library and for your shelves at home!
For more information, please contact Nancy Cooper, First Nation Consultant, at ncooper@olservice.ca